“If the minister can tell the colleges how to spend the money they’ve saved, she can tell them how to bargain fairly as well. I encourage her to do so this weekend.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“Negotiation is the only way to go at this juncture. I agree completely with recent statements by the Premier and by Advanced Education Minister Deb Matthews that the solution to this strike is at the bargaining table.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“It is hypocritical of the colleges, who promise students a good job and a bright future, to turn around and force thousands of contract staff into jobs with low pay, no benefits, and no job security of any kind.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“One of our top priorities is ensuring our services foster the inclusion and dignity that adults with developmental disabilities have a right to. However, the employer doesn’t think we deserve the same kind of dignity — not when they’re offering us dimes.” — Sue Walker, President, OPSEU Local 249

“I want to thank these workers for taking a stand against the negative impacts of precarious work, which is a sad fact of life for far too many workers today.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“Our members see their Premier on the evening news promising improvements for workers. But when they show up for work in the morning, they find their government-owned employer continuing to exploit them." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President